Saying sorry is hard, and meaning it is harder. These songs cover both sides: the apology, and the choice to let something go. A few ask for grace, and a few offer it.
Updated 2026
The Heart of the Matter by Don Henley 1989
Henley lands on forgiveness as the only way to put a love down for good.
Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word by Elton John 1976
A piano ballad about the two words that stick in your throat.
Hard to Say I'm Sorry by Chicago 1982
A big soft-rock apology that begs for one more chance.
Praying by Kesha 2017
She wishes peace on the person who hurt her, which is its own kind of freedom.
Forgiveness by Matthew West 2012
A plain-spoken case that letting go frees the one who forgives.
Sorry by Justin Bieber 2015
A dancefloor apology, half regret and half hope she picks up.
I'm Sorry by Brenda Lee 1960
A teenage confession that made heartbreak sound like velvet.
Jealous Guy by John Lennon 1971
Lennon owns his worst behavior and asks, softly, to be forgiven.
Apologize by Timbaland ft. OneRepublic 2007
The sorry arrives, but the song says it came one beat too late.
Forgiven by Alanis Morissette 1995
She wrestles guilt and grace and refuses to tie it up neatly.
Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson 1988
The change, and the forgiveness, start by looking at yourself first.
Hello by Adele 2015
A call across years to say sorry for everything, hoping the line still works.